Cosmetic and beauty companies throw around scientific words as if we should all know what they mean, and it's no different when it comes to acne products.
The problem is, not all active ingredients are suitable for all skin types or skin concerns.
Here we take a look at some of the key ingredients that can be found in most acne products out there so that you can make an informed decision when looking for the right acne face wash.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is an increasingly popular ingredient in many acne products. One of the key benefits of it is that it actually helps to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation as well as get rid of pimples, by exfoliating the skin. The chemical make-up of salicylic acid is very similar to aspirin - which is why it has the anti-inflammatory effect.
One of the main problems that people have with acne products is that they dry out the skin. If you have sensitive or dry skin, look for products that have salicylic acid for the best results.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide has been used for many years in various concentrations as a way of getting rid of pimples. There is no doubt that it is effective, and it is used in many of the best acne face wash products, but anyone with sensitive skin should be careful not to overuse it. If you do want to use a product with benzoyl peroxide in it, you should also invest in a quality moisturizer to help counteract the dryness and inflammation that can often come with its use.
Another option is to only use benzoyl peroxide as a topical treatment. That is, don't use it on a daily basis as your main face wash - just occasionally to get rid of stubborn pimples.
Avoid products with more than 2% concentration of benzoyl peroxide if you have sensitive skin.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Another common ingredient is alpha hydroxy acids, which are typically either lactic acid or glycolic acid. These are powerful anti-acne ingredients but relatively gentle on the skin. As well as helping to remove dead skin cells, alpha hydroxy acids can stimulate the growth of new skin cells, making it particularly good for minimizing acne scars.
Sulfur
Sulfur is often found in acne products, but isn't ideal for anyone with dry or sensitive skin. Avoid products containing sulfur if you suffer from that skin type. Sulfur is used to help remove oil from the skin, but it can also have an unpleasant odor, which puts many people off.
Armed with this information, you should be on track to finding the best acne face wash to suit your skin.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Kellett
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